what's the safest and most efficient way to haul stacks of hog panels when the trailer you have is 8 ft? Don't really want to cut them 1/2. We did haul some wedged in a truck bed once like a rainbow, but could only do 6 at a time and needed two people to safely unload due to the tension.

How many panels are you hauling? You can fold them over and tie the ends together with wire, having them shaped like a "tear drop." This way, you can stand them up or lay them down. If you have a bunch of them then you may need a longer trailer.

The 2x4 will snap hanging off the end, too much weight and bounce. Another thought, bring part of the panels over the tongue (watch your turning), then use 2x8 with a 2x4 nailed on top, making a "T" shape , also use a red flag or lights on end of panels.

How about a couple of 16' 2x4's laying in the trailer with the panels laid on top and tied down very well? Red flag it for sure.

2x for this solution

I'd use at least 2x6's and double up, 2 nailed together set and braced like a truss, one set for each side. So you would need 4. You could probably use a 2x4 nailed to a 2x6, then nail to trailer with them nailed on edge, truss style.

Haven't done this on an 8' but did on a 12'. Laid them all in the trailer, looped a tie down strap through the front of them all and down to the trailer tongue. Took another one and went across the front from side to side of the trailer. Bent them up one at a time and put a strap through them all to the front. Then took another and went across the back of the trailer from side to side. Didn't move a bit.

_________________________ This is what's left of my pic after getting violated by Photobucket

I hope you don't need to haul them very far,and not on a state hwy or interstate. The DPS/or DOT trooper's will have a field day with you if you get caught hauling 16 ft panels on an 8 ft trailer.You'd be better off borrowing or renting a 16 ft trailer to haul them on,or at the very least a 12 ft trailer.

8 foot load extension will get you stopped by law enforcement. Go find a longer trailer. By state law, you are only allowed 4 foot to the rear - they should give you 1 foot grace - so ticket and parked at. 5 plus feet